Actress June Whitfield joined Age UK in a nationwide search to find the Charity’s Digital Champion of the Year for 2015, with the aim of inspiring the 4.8 million older people who have never been online, to give it a try.
Age UK is looking for an older person whose life has been changed for the better by learning to use digital technology, whether it’s finding long lost family members on Facebook, buying and selling on eBay, listening to music or keeping in touch with old friends via Skype.
The aim of the search is to demonstrate how easy it can be to get to grips with technology and the benefits being ‘digital’ can offer.
Age UK ambassador June Whitfield CBE, who will be hosting the awards, said: “There are endless opportunities online that everyone should experience. One of the great advantages is being able to keep in contact with family members and friends no matter where they are.
“Age UK’s Digital Champion award is a fantastic way to celebrate some of the many people who have embraced all things digital and are shining examples to others. If you’re passionate about being online and have a digital journey to share we want to hear from you!”
Recent studies have shown there has been a take up of Internet usage across all ages. However, there are still currently six million people in the UK who’ve never been online, with 80 per cent (4.8 million) of those aged 65 and over. In a recent survey, some of the main reasons cited by older people for not being online were that they didn’t need the Internet (58 per cent) and a lack of skills (21 per cent).
One of the previous winners of the award, chosen by judges including Stephen Fry, was Jan McCarthy-Tchamani, who is now urging people to put themselves forward to be the 2015 champion.
Jan, 57, was diagnosed with bipolar seven years ago and found a way of communicating online when she couldn’t talk to anyone. She said: “Being online has been life-saving for me: I joined an online forum, met some very kind and encouraging fellow-sufferers and was no longer alone. The Internet offers so much to everyone – whether it’s coping with an illness, learning new skills or saving money, everyone can benefit from being online.”
The Age UK Digital Champion of the Year and runners-up will become ambassadors for Age UK helping to inspire and support other older people across the nation to take that bold next step and get online.
Lucy Hastings, Lead for Digital Inclusion at Age UK, said: “Some people may not be initially interested in getting online but there literally is something for everyone, whether it be contact with long lost friends, listening to old music collections, reading the latest news, or buying a bargain and having it delivered to your door. Our Digital Champion of the Year award celebrates older people who have taken that leap and can be an inspiration to others.”
People aged 55+ can nominate themselves or be nominated. More information about entering can be found at www.ageuk.org/champion. The competition closes 30th January 2015. The Awards will be presented on Friday 20 March at a ceremony in London.
Many Age UKs locally help thousands of people in later life gain skills and confidence to use the Internet. For more information about support to get online in your area call 0800 169 65 65 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/it.
